Matthew M. Gravens - Richmond, VA

Matt’s practice will focus primarily on criminal defense and family law, but no area of law is off limits and if a case needs to go to court, Matt has the skills and experience to vigorously advocate for his client’s position.

Matt grew up in Mississippi and is an alumnus of Louisiana State University. Matt is a rabid LSU Tigers fan across all sports. Matt graduated from LSU cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and a minor in Political Science. Matt moved to Baltimore, MD and attended University of Maryland School of Law. While in law school, Matt interned at the Department of Justice, the Environmental Protection Agency, and a private law firm in Annapolis, MD. Matt also participated in the landlord tenant clinic. Matt graduated cum laude with a concentration in Environmental Law.

After graduation, Matt clerked for the Honorable Pamela L North, with the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, MD. While clerking, Matt became interested in criminal law, and after clerking he joined the Maryland Public Defender’s Office, where he served for almost 6 years in Hartford and Frederick counties. During that time, Matt handled all kinds of criminal cases from simple assault and DUI to murder. While in the Frederick County Public Defender’s Office, Matt defended a client charged with two counts of first degree murder over the course of two weeks, in which his client was acquitted of one murder, and only found guilty of manslaughter on the other charge.

Matt and his wife Margaret moved from Washington DC to Richmond in 2018. Matt joined the Richmond Public Defender’s Office in 2019. He then joined the Chesterfield County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office in 2020 and was quickly trusted with the most serious and violent crime in Chesterfield County. Over the course of the next four years, Matt litigated multiple serious, violent felonies, including murder, rape, and robbery. Matt was an integral part of the Chesterfield County Crash Team, where he handled DUI manslaughter and DUI maiming cases. Matt received specialized training related to DUID, vehicular manslaughter, and murder. Matt has extensive experience with expert witnesses from both sides of the aisle. Matt was also a member of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations team where he prosecuted crimes against children.

Matt is also certified to serve as a Guardian Ad Litem for children and puts his skills to use advocating for the best interests of children in tough family situations.

Matt lives in Richmond with his wife Margaret, daughter Frances and two dogs Daisy and Rigatoni. Matt enjoys working out, cooking, and spending time outside with his family.